Technology takes lead at Surfaces

Players in the LVT market, new and old, launched innovative installation methods and unique constructions. Suppliers such as Home Legend and Alloc made their first big push here while veterans like Armstrong and Metroflor extended their lines using new technology.

Alloc enters LVT market with Dream Click
Alloc, in conjunction with its Belgian parent company Beaulieu International, entered the U.S. LVT market here with the launch of Dream Click, a line of 6 x 36 LVT planks featuring the Super-Click locking system.
The Super-Click system is comprised of a honeycombed polystyrene and PVC core featuring protruding tabs on all four sides of the plank. Dream Click LVTs can simply be slid together, even with one’s feet, on both the planks’ long and short sides allowing for unique installation configurations.
Armstrong’s new floating system
Armstrong introduced a pre-adhered floating underlayment system onto which its LVT tiles and planks can be installed. Also available is an upgrade featuring a flocked fiber backing that absorbs sound for multi-family installations and is Impact Insulation Class (IIC) rated.
“Our new floating system is priced competitively with other underlayments but of course you don’t need adhesives or a trowel,” said Allen Cubell, vice president, residential product management, Armstrong Floor Products. “With click systems, you’re literally locked in to how you can install a product. This system offers flexibility and works well with our multiple-sized Alterna products.”

USFloors launches engineered vinyl planks
USFloors has combined bamboo dust, virgin PVC and limestone to produce a waterproof dimensionally stable composite core with an attached 1mm cork underlay and LVT surface visuals. Available in 5 x 48, 7 x 48 and 12 x 24 planks, COREtec Plus features a Unilin floating drop lock glueless installation system and lifetime waterproof warranty.
“It really is the best of laminate and LVT combined plus more. The cork underlayment makes it quiet but it’s waterproof, not floppy like LVT and easy to install,” said Gary Keeble, marketing manager, US Floors.
Metroflor’s groutable floating floor
Metroflor has taken the floating grip-strip technology it introduced with Konecto in 2008 to a new level with Aspire, the first groutable floating LVT.
Aspire’s 5mm 16 x 16 tiles feature a patented peel-and-stick grip strip that allows for one of 16 coordinating acrylic-based grouts. New Crescent Edge technology also creates deeper, more authentic bevels. It carries a 25-year residential and 8-year commercial warranty.
“Float the floor, grout it, wipe it and you’re done. Real grout provides an entirely higher level of realism,” said Russell Rogg, CEO, Metroflor.
Tarkett displays click LVT better
Samples of Tarkett’s new clickable Transcend LVT are displayed with affixed matching moldings to stimulate the requisite sale of add-on accessories.
“Putting the transitions on the display keep the moldings, which are necessary, fresh in the mind of the consumer,” said Bruce Ziegler, director of residential product, Tarkett. “It’s an easy tool to help make that additional sale.”